Mysuru: As the nation prepares to celebrate the 80th Independence Day, the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat has drawn up plans to mark the occasion with a focus on patriotism, water conservation and environmental protection.

Under the VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, (earlier MNREGA) scheme, 85 Amrit Sarovar lakes developed across the district will serve as the focal points of the celebrations.

The National flag will be hoisted on the bunds of the lakes, accompanied by awareness programmes on water conservation.

Koppalukere at Hussainpura Village in Hunsur Taluk.

According to officials, dignitaries will hoist the National flag at each of the 85 Amrit Sarovars, followed by the singing of the National anthem. The programmes will include ‘Tiranga Yatras’, patriotic songs, plays and cultural performances by school children and residents.

Saplings will also be planted to commemorate Independence Day and highlight the importance of environmental protection. The initiative aims to raise awareness about water conservation at the individual and community levels, particularly in the context of drought management. The programmes will also encourage rural households to make use of livelihood security benefits available under the VB-G RAM G scheme.

Local representatives, school children, villagers, youth clubs, self-help groups, community organisations and government staff will participate in the I-Day celebrations.

Chief Executive Officer of Mysuru Zilla Panchayat S. Ukesh Kumar said the State Government was keen to use the occasion to raise awareness about the VB-G RAM G scheme, generate local employment and promote water conservation as a safeguard against drought.

Deputy Development Secretary Bheemappa K. Lali said that with rainfall scarcity and declining groundwater levels, the Independence Day programmes would also honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters while creating awareness about water and environmental protection across the district.

I-Day flag-hoisting at 85 Amrit Sarovars

• H.D. Kote – 16

• Hunsur – 16

• Mysuru – 15

• Nanjangud – 5

• Periyapatna – 4

• Saligrama – 6

• Saragur – 8

• T. Narasipur – 15